Newfoundland
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 Description:
Newfoundlands are strong, heavy coated,
large working dogs well known for their
sweet and gentle disposition. Most agree
the breed originated in Newfoundland, although
its ancestry is up for debate. Some believe
he descended from the Great Pyrenees or
perhaps from dogs indigenous to the island
and big black Viking bear dogs. It's also
said the Newfoundland may be related to
the Labrador Retriever.
The Newfoundland is a true working dog.
His tasks include pulling nets for fishermen
and hauling loads as a pack horse. They
were and still are used as a lifeguard because
of their size, great strength, lung capacity
and excellent swimming ability.
The Newfoundland was recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1886 and is categorized in
the Sporting Group.
Height:
The average height for an adult Newfoundland
male is 28 inches (71.1 cm) and the average
height for an adult female is 26 inches
(66 cm)
Weight:
The weight for an adult Newfoundland male
can range between 130 to 150 pounds, (59-68
kg) and for a female between 100 and 120
pounds (45-54 kg).
Coat Type:
Newfoundlands have a thick double coat which
is water resistant. The outer coat is coarse,
moderately long and can be straight or have
a slight wave. The undercoat is dense and
soft. Newfoundlands shed in the spring and
fall. To keep the coat in good condition,
brush daily or at least weekly with a long
tooth steel comb and a wire slicker brush
with bristles bent at the end.
Color: The
color of the Newfoundland's coat can be
black, brown, gray and white & black
(AKC standard).
Temperament:
The most well known characteristic of the
Newfoundland breed is their sweet, kind,
benevolent nature. These dogs are incredibly
patient, gentle and playful with children.
Newfoundlands are obedient, devoted and
eager to please its master. They are courageous
and will protect their family. All those
who pose no threat to the family are warmly
welcomed by a Newfoundland. Obedience training
should be introduced early - two months
of age is considered ideal. Training should
be done in a calm, confident, consistent
and positive manner. Newfoundlands are very
intelligent. This breed loves to be outdoors
and love to swim (have webbed feet). Newfoundlands
are active and enjoy to frolic and take
daily walks.
Health Concerns:
Newfoundlands are prone to hip /
elbow dysplasia and hereditary heart disease
called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS) which can
cause sudden death at a young age. They
are also prone to cystinuria which is an
inherited metabolic disorder that results
in the excessive excretion of certain amino
acids, esp. cystine, in the urine which
can sometimes cause formations of stones
in the urinary tract.
Special Interest:
• The Newfoundland is also referred
to as Newf, Newfie and Black bear. This
breed is known as "The Gentle Giant"
because of its incredibly sweet and kind
disposition.
• Presidents James Buchanan, Rutherford
B. Hayes and Ulysses S. Grant were all owners
of a Newfoundland.
• The Newfoundland has webbed feet.
Classifications:
AKC: Working Group
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
CKC: Working
FCI: Group 2 - Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Working Group
NZKC: Utility
UKC: Guardian
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